Penrith won’t be taking Upper Eden lightly by any means when they clash in the Cumbria County Cup final on Saturday.
It’s been a hugely impressive season for the Winters Park club as they contemplate a return to Level 5 after a ten year absence.
Club president Charles Graves sees it as an opportunity to show how well they’ve played this season in what he feels sure will be a competitive final.
“Training this week has been very serious because we fully expect Upper Eden to come at us.
“They have a good pack of forwards, who are abrasive in how they play and the derby factor will add more to the atmosphere.
“Inn actual fact I think we have a very good relationship with the Upper Eden club. They are our neighbours and I know a good number of our youth team players end up there.
“They have been unlucky not to be promoted for the last two years and I am pleased they are almost over the line this time to clinch it.
“They will see themselves as underdogs but I know what it’s like to be in that situation. I was in the Aspatria side in 1987/88 which played Wasps in the John Player Trophy and they only beat us 13-6 at Bower Park.”
Upper Eden will be moving into Regional 2 North if they secure a point from their last two League games.
It’s the League where Penrith will be leaving but where they will play their rugby next season is still not confirmed.
“It could be Regional 1 North West with Kendal but we don’t know for sure until all the promotion and relegation issues are resolved,” he says.
Graves is also sure that the turning point of Penrith’s season was the win at Morpeth in November.
Morpeth had been attracting all the headlines and were strongly predicted to go on and win the League.
“We won there and things changed from there. We came on strong and Morpeth weren’t quite as effective so that we were able to go on and win comfortably, including completing a handsome double over Morpeth.
“We have a nice mix of youth and experience and we have always looked to bring on youngsters – three of whom finished the season as starters.
“Last season I think we used 50 players but this time the figure is in the mid-30’s and ten of those only played twice or once.
“It just shows the difference a successful, winning team can make,” he says.
The Penrith President is also expecting a bumper crowd at Mint Bridge for the final.
County officials are predicting up to 1,500 for the game and Graves isn’t arguing.
“It’s created a lot of interest, especially with us being neighbours. I suspect Kirkby Stephen might be closed for the day.
“We will certainly be well supported on the day and I know everyone connected to both clubs is really looking forward to the game.”
